Wales unable to stop relentless England

16 July 2009 09:00

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Wales Women were unable to stop England's relentless march to the Under 20s Nations Cup final when the red rose brigade claimed a hard fought 29-3 victory at Brunel University.

The victory gives the host nation the favourites tag ahead of the Saturday's showdown where they'll meet the USA after their impressive revival against Canada saw the Americans running out 38-20 winners victors. Wales will now play Canada in the consolation final on Saturday.

The final scoreline doesn't do justice to a dogged Welsh side but a lack of cutting edge ultimately proved decisive as England always grabbed their opportunities with glee.

England set down their marker early on with hooker Vicky Fleetwood easing the home side into a 5-0 lead after just 11 minutes. Fly-half Claire Garner converted to give the favourites a 7-0 lead.

With Wales' defence holding firm throughout most of the first-half and England having to work hard in wet conditions the Red Roses bridgae had to wait until the 39th minute for their next score which came courtesy of Garner who stroked over a penalty, handing England a 10-0 lead at the break.

England centre Rose Fong made an immediate impact after the restart with a great individual effort which saw her make a good break thanks to Hoole turning over the ball in the midfield. Fong ran in with ease, and with Garner converting England then found themselves with a comfortable 17-0 lead.

Garner then added her own converted try, bringing her personal tally to 14 points for the evening, after England wore down Wales' hardened defence with some sustained pressure.

Wales managed to claw back a penalty as full time drew nearer with scrum-half Yasmin Leung kicking the points, but England confirmed their dominance with their final try in extra time, via wing Sam Bree.

Wales reached their first semi-final since 2013 in the opening round of this season's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai. WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie recaps on what proved to be an eventful tournament

Wales and Ospreys back row James King, who came through the North Wales age grade system, nominated North Wales Regional Community Rugby Manager Marc Roberts, in the WRU's 'Diolch' initiative where squad players thanked those who played a part in their rise to the top.

Beating Merthyr has boosted Carmarthen Quins hopes of reaching a top eight spot in the Principality Premiership. Quins captain Haydn Pugh is delighted with his team's progress and is determined that everyone from the Under 6s through to the senior team, enjoys the ride.

When the Wales squad were asked to nominate individuals who played a big part in their early playing days, Wales and Dragons full back and wing Hallam Amos thought of his former Monmouth School rugby coach John Bevan.

Sam Cross and Luke Treharne have been named as co-captains of the Wales Sevens side as head coach Gareth Williams names his 12-man squad to play in the first leg of the HSBC World Series in Dubai next weekend.

Bedwas head coach Steve Law and players Nicky Griffiths and Alun Rees extol the virtues of the close knit club as they prepare to host third place RGC 1404 - who are one place head of them on the Principality Premiership points table - on Saturday.

Many of the Wales squad have said Diolch (thank you) to someone who played an important part in their early playing days by nominating them to be invited to the Wales v South Africa match. One person, Gowerton Comprehensive geography teacher Mr Dean Mason was nominated by two of his former pupils, Dan Biggar and Sam Davies.

The second WRU disability rugby pilot has been delivered, this time in Caerphilly schools, culminating in a festival at the Caerphilly Centre of Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach tomorrow. Plans are in place to set up a Disability Rugby Club in Newbridge to provide long-term playing opportunities.

WRU TV: Hear from inside the Wales camp as Neil Jenkins discusses this weekend's clash with South Africa and how the squad are looking to put in a strong performance to round of the 2016 Under Armour Series